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Discover the Game-Changing Moves Ruben Selles Has Pulled Off for Reading FC
It’s safe to assume that Reading supporters saw Ruben Selles’ appointment in July 2023 with the same level of dislike they normally save for the cheese course after a particularly large meal.
Selles, who left Southampton with a record of two victories from seventeen games barely a month earlier, was named Reading’s manager over three weeks before he had actually obtained a work visa, typical of the a**hole-in-the-face style of operations under the current ownership.
Selles deserves praise for what he has accomplished in this extremely stressful public football drama.
No one could blame Selles for Southampton’s downfall or even the issues he had at Reading. Taking on the role of manager for Reading at this early point in his career could be considered one of the most gratifying experiences of his life.
Nobody questions Selles’ abilities as a coach; in fact, the Spaniard has worked as a coach throughout Europe, earning invaluable experience to complement his Master’s degree in Sports & Physiology from the University of Valencia and the addition of a UEFA Pro License at the young age of 25. This is a man who is eager to grow and establish himself.
Selles was a well-liked young coach when he came to Reading. At the conclusion of this season, if he departs.
The stress of having to continually pick up unpaid individuals from the club and encourage them to return day in and day out, month after month, is something that one can only comprehend. One skill that you cannot master in a UEFA school is juggling the duties of developing young players with potential on the training field with handling the media after another point deduction has caused the most recent hard-earned points to go from sight.
While it is true that Reading was never going to let go of Selles this season, even in the worst of circumstances, that reality does little to foster a positive work climate.
As harsh as it may sound, many managers are kept alert by the slight degree of uncertainty surrounding their jobs. Selles had to come up with other strategies for inspiring both himself and those around him.
And doing it is quite difficult.
Every each manager that took over at Portsmouth under the club’s administration attempted to instill a siege mentality while I was there. It was “us versus the world,” and so on. It didn’t always work; occasionally it did. Regardless, it was severely damaged when our manager, Steve Cotterill, moved to Nottingham Forest—though given the situation, it’s hard to hold him accountable.
But it did make the people in the changing room worry if it was truly “us” against the world, or if we were just a few of us holding out for a better chance.
Selles had plenty of opportunity to leave Reading, but he chose to stay. His faithfulness has so far held up in even the most demanding football conditions. Is there really anyone who would be against him leaving to take charge of a more stable club? Without a doubt not. Are they going to? Most likely. Football is that.
Of course, there are frustrations on the field. I’m not a good football fan. Like everyone else, I like things done a specific way, thus I find myself holding my seat and raising my arms in the air when I observe certain play phases that go against my own style.
However, that’s also why I enjoy the game. To be honest with you, I enjoy watching football much more when I’m behind a glass.
And I have, on multiple occasions this season, let my anger about the team out, with all the patience of someone who doesn’t realize that Selles has to make do with what he has, even some that he doesn’t want.
There is currently nothing that anyone can do about that. However, upon re-watching the matches, it is quite possible to understand Selles’ tactical perspective. The football can be expansive and progressive at times, and it can yield great outcomes. The problem is in consistency, which is something that novices in any field will constantly encounter.
Although it can be frustrating at times, it shouldn’t be used against them.
As the season comes to an end, we are relieved to have maintained our League One standing and look forward to what the summer may bring in light of potential new ownership.
To be perfectly honest, I think we’ve all had enough of this season. Ruben Selles in particular could definitely use a little breathing room before the next course is delivered.
